Education chiefs in Leeds are warning parents about changes in the law which mean they could face fines if they take their children out of school.

Schools across the UK are no longer allowed to authorise requests for term time holidays.

Previously, Leeds City Council had supported headteachers in allowing up to ten days absence for holidays at their discretion.

But changes in the law nationally mean that parents who take their children out of school could face a £60 fine.

Councillor Judith Blake, executive board member for children’s services in Leeds said: “Both the council and all schools must comply with this legislation and we have written to all of our headteachers to advise them of the new national guidelines.

“Until now we have always fully supported headteachers in allowing them to authorise up to ten days absence during term time for holidays at their discretion.

“However, this is no longer the case due to changes in the law nationally and parents may receive a fine of £60 if they take their children out of school without having gained prior authorisation.”